News

Minister reflects on Coastguard decision

Published

11 years ago

July 11, 2014

FORMER Under Secretary of State for Transport, Mike Penning MP, met Milford Haven Coastguard on Wednesday on his first visit since he decided to keep services functioning in Pembrokeshire.

crabbcoastguard He told the Coastguard that he had listened to what the public expect of him and explained that the decision was made on risk, pointing out that the decision to save Milford Coastguard over Swansea was made easier by the fact that Swansea closed and passed over duty to Milford Haven on the day he visited them. He then alluded to the fact that it was a very difficult decision, nationally, and also an economic decision. Speaking to the Herald, he said: “I had inherited the situation that there was going to be a reconfiguration of the Coastguard. I had to look carefully at what the decision was, and the decision meant Milford was going to close. I went around all the Coastguards and met a lot of the people that were protesting, I went everywhere, and at the end of the day I think I made the right decision for Pembrokeshire, and the Coastguards as a whole, to keep Milford open. “This is a social call as I’m here in another capacity, being responsible for health and safety. I was looking at the port and natural gas terminals, but I also wanted to make a personal visit here. I wanted to come back and see how it was working and it seems to be working really, really well. I am very impressed, seeing all the new technology. “There will always be local issues on health and safety but the record here is excellent. Any injury is one too many, of course. What the community need to do is work together for the future of this port.” Referring to his role as Minister of State for Disabled People, he said: “We must make sure that people with disability can live their dreams and have their aspirations and have a great life.” Stephen Crabb MP, who was also in attendance, applauded the saving of Milford Haven Coastguard as the ‘right outcome’ and went on to say: “The last time he (Mike Penning) visited Pembrokeshire was when I asked him to come down here when we had the great campaign to save Milford Coastguard station. “I asked him to come and see for himself the coastline here, and to meet with the Coastguard campaign group who were fighting to save the Coastguard, and asked him as the Minister then to reconsider the decision to close Milford Haven Coastguard. “So I am really pleased that he is back in Pembrokeshire, albeit with a different Ministerial hat, visiting the Coastguard station that he saved. Politicians and government are often accused of not listening and trampling ahead with proposals without really taking on board what local people are saying. “This is an instance where the local community made its voice heard very powerfully, through media and elsewhere. The Minister came down and met with the campaign group and with myself and went away and made a different decision. This is a great example of a government who listens.”

Business

RM Training and Security Solutions shortlisted for major UK festival industry awards

Published

45 minutes ago

December 6, 2025

Tom Sinclair

Support service and supplier categories recognise Milford Haven firm’s work with outdoor events

RM TRAINING and Security Solutions Ltd has been shortlisted for two national honours at the Festival Supplier Awards 2026, placing the Pembrokeshire-based company among the top outdoor-event service providers in the UK.

The finalists were announced this week ahead of the awards ceremony, which will take place on Thursday, 29 January 2026, at the De Vere Grand Connaught Rooms in central London. The annual event celebrates the teams and suppliers who deliver festivals and large-scale outdoor events across Britain.

RM Training and Security Solutions has been named a finalist in two categories — Best Support Service (Training) and Best Supplier — recognising its growing reputation for high-quality training provision, professional standards, and reliable on-the-ground event support.

Now in their eleventh year, the Festival Supplier Awards have become a staple of the industry calendar, providing a platform for companies to showcase innovation, specialist expertise and sector-leading achievements.

Event director Michelle Tayton said the standard of entries this year had been exceptional.

“Once again, we’ve been blown away by both the volume and calibre of entries for the Festival Supplier Awards,” she said. “Our finalists really highlight the creativity, capability and capacity that exists within the outdoor event industry. Making the shortlist is an achievement in itself and RM Training and Security Solutions Ltd has been recognised for its hard work and ability to deliver.”

Entries are judged by a panel of high-profile industry professionals, including representatives from Live Nation, IMG, London Marathon Events, CarFest, Engine No.4, Stable Events, and other major UK organisers.

The ceremony and gala dinner will take place in London on Thursday, 29 January 2026.

Community

Saundersfoot lights up for Christmas as crowds gather to see Santa

Published

2 hours ago

December 6, 2025

Tom Sinclair

SAUNDERSFOOT’S Christmas lights were officially switched on Christmas lights were officially switched on yesterday evening (Friday, 5 December), with hundreds turning out in wet and windy conditions to welcome Santa, enjoy live music and celebrate the start of the village’s festive season.

The annual event began with performances from local singers and community choirs, who brought warmth to the cold evening with carols outside businesses in the heart of the village. Singers dressed in bright pink hats drew a large crowd as they performed under the twinkling canopy of lights.

The parade followed shortly after, led by a tractor decorated with illuminated antlers and towing Santa in his sleigh. Elves in festive costumes accompanied the convoy along the high street, waving to families who lined the pavements despite the rain.

Santa was joined by popular mascots including the RNLI lifeboat crewman, a giant crab character, and a familiar rugby mascot, stopping for photos with excited children throughout the evening. Many queued to meet Father Christmas at a glowing, bauble-shaped light installation — one of the most popular photo spots of the night.

As the countdown reached zero, the village’s towering Christmas tree burst into light, followed by the illuminated “Welcome to Saundersfoot” sign that frames the entrance to the village centre. Cheers rang out as the decorations lit up the night sky, marking the official start of Saundersfoot’s Christmas period.

Local businesses remained open late, and Harbwr Bar & Kitchen provided a bright backdrop as families gathered to watch Santa depart on his sleigh.

Despite the conditions, organisers said the turnout was “fantastic” and thanked volunteers, the Saundersfoot community groups, and emergency services for helping the evening run smoothly.

Photos: Gareth Davies/Herald

Community

Christmas cheer as Young at Heart group fills Pembroke Town Hall

Published

2 hours ago

December 6, 2025

Tom Sinclair

PEMBROKE Town Hall was packed on Friday afternoon (Dec 5) as the Pembroke Young at Heart group held its annual Christmas service and dinner.

The well-attended event brought together members from across the community for an afternoon of music, food and festive celebration.

A freshly prepared Christmas meal was served, with organisers giving special thanks to Dai Powell, who cooked the dinner, and to the team of volunteers who helped run the event. The helpers included Liz, Ann, Anne, Kaylee, Jayne, Dennis, Jo, Gareth, Jenny, Rob, Mo, Heidi and Will.

Pembroke Town Council said the afternoon would not have been possible without the support of its volunteers, who ensured the hall was decorated, guests were welcomed, and everyone left in the Christmas spirit.

The event forms part of the council’s programme of activities for older residents during the festive season.